The Multitalented Shiryu Sejima

Shiryu Sejima talks about his love of dance, his favorite music video, his latest releases, and more!

Photo courtesy of Visions Inc.

For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “Shiryu Sejima is ___” or “Shiryu Sejima’s music is ___”? 
“Shiryu Sejima is a dance artist,” [and] “Shiryu Sejima's music is the kind that makes you naturally want to dance.”

Who or what first inspired you to pursue a music career? 
My musical journey began when I started dancing, but what really sparked my interest in singing was an audition program I appeared on in Korea, Fantasy Boys.

Between singing and dancing, do you prefer one over the other? 
I started [dancing] when I was six, and this year marks my twentieth. As a dancer, the roots of my expression lie in dance.

What traits or skills are required to be a good singer, and how different are those from the traits or skills required to be a good dancer? 
Expressiveness, a sense of rhythm, precision of control, accents, sharpness… I feel that the qualities and skills required to improve in [both] areas are quite similar. 

Out of all of the music videos you have been in, which one was the most memorable to film, and why? 
That would be the music video of my own song, “Steppin’ Out.” Up until then, I had been part of other artists’ works, dancing, acting, or immersing myself in somebody else’s world, but it was truly moving to be able to create a video set in my own world, for a song that was mine and mine alone, for the very first time. 

Please talk about the singles “Steppin’ Out” and “BAD GIRL”!
“Steppin’ Out” is the song that marked [my] debut. With “taking a step forward” as its theme, the lyrics are directed not only at listeners, but also at [myself], encouraging [myself] to take the plunge without fear. 

“BAD GIRL” is a song that portrays a sensitive young man. Its theme is the naivety of someone who hasn't quite grown up yet, and the song's signature color is blue. It is also a collaboration with the South Korean rapper REDDY, featuring lyrics that blend Japanese, English, and Korean.

Photo courtesy of Visions Inc.

If you could choreograph a routine for any artist, who would you pick, and why? 
NI-KI from ENHYPEN. I think the dynamic, delicate, and beautiful choreography — which makes full use of his long, supple arms — suits him perfectly.

What are some of the proudest moments of your career so far? 
It’s when the art I’ve created becomes a part of someone else’s life. In the past, someone told me that after seeing me take on new challenges every day — even performing on stages overseas — they decided to leave Japan to become a pastry chef working abroad. When I heard that, I felt so proud and truly glad that I’d kept creating.

Photo courtesy of Visions Inc.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals? 
Currently, my goal is to take the stage as the dance artist Shiryu Sejima in my own show, at the arenas and domes where I’ve performed as a backup dancer all this time! 

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?
In each song, I express different feelings, personalities, and moods, and there will be many more to come, so please keep your eyes on me, so that you can enjoy [the] diversity. I feel like my real career has just started. I hope you come along and keep watching my journey to the stars!

Keep up with Shiryu Sejima on Instagram and YouTube!

View the Substack version of this piece here!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.